Question:
Lap-Band vs MGB
The more I read, the more I think the MGB is somewhat less a problem and more successful that the Lap-Band Surgery. It seems with the Lap-Band Surgery requires a lot more post-op maintenance and adjusting. — pdaigner (posted on February 8, 2008)
February 7, 2008
I have never had the MGB. I had the actual RNY surgery. I say it depends
how heavy you are and what life changes you are willing to have. The lap
band isn't pernamant they can remove it but I would recommend no, the RNY
has drastic changes and it is amazing and permantent. THE MGB I have never
researched so sorry about that.
— tl_morgan
February 8, 2008
It's a hard decision. I wavered for quite awhile. The bypass is more
invasive....less problems but when they happen they're supposedly more
serious than the band.
THe band can be removed...which means it reversible. The bypass is
forever...that in itself is something to consider.
For me, I heard that the weight loss is quicker than with the band...I knew
I'd need that positive reinforcement. Plus I didn't want to be fooling
around with fills....I know people with the band who complain about still
being able to eat a lot of food....they keep thinking they need more
fill...doctors will only do so much at one time...etc. Plus you have that
little port under the skin...I didn't like the idea of that.
There are pros and cons with each kind. I think both can be effective in
giving you the weight loss...but you just have to understand the whole
process.
Even when I met with the surgeon just a week before the surgeyr I was still
going back and forth. My surgeon couuldn't give me any easy way to make
the decision.
I'm VERY happy with the bypass, though, if that helps.
Chris
— cjjordan
February 8, 2008
There are pros and cons, and contraindications and indications, for each of
the surgeries, and ultimately you're the only one (with input and
recommendations from your surgeon) who can decide which is best for you. I
think Chris is right about problems are a lot of times worse when they do
happen with the RNY. Despite its obvious benefits I know someone who had
hers almost 8 weeks ago, has been hospitalized 7 times for dehydration, and
despite having found nothing wrong thus far she still is unable to take
anything (food or liquids) without severe pain and vomiting. Any of them
are huge surgeries, and you just never know how your own body's going to
react.
— obeseforever
February 8, 2008
I've you're looking for a surgery that requires less maintainence, etc....
have you checked out the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy? There's a forum here
at http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
February 8, 2008
I am not afraid to talk about my decision.Mine was better for me because I
too didn't want to fool with fills and having someone else be in control of
my weight loss. The Byapss was the permanent solution for alifetime
change.As it was explained to me by my surgeon it only takes about 15 min.
longer to do the Bypass once they are inside. What alot of people don't
know is that a nerve it sevored that makes you hungry for things. With
banding you still end up wanting McDonalds-you just can't have it.with
Bypass alot of cravings are gone, infact alot of people have to MAKE
themselves eat because you are not interrested in food for the most part.
Since you must eat and drink your liquids to heal you have no choice. You
must have your liquids.With Banding the band can also slip the more weight
that is lost and then it can cause other problems too.With either of these
tools there can be complications down the road.I preferred mine to be
related to not wanting to eat then not being able to lose anything because
I have major trouble with cravings.All of us are different-so not all of us
think bypass is the way..It will be for me and surgery is in March.I'm glad
to say it is permanent.Its not a diet or something you can have taken out.
I personally needed that imbeded in my brain so I know that I must be
successful with this tool, because there won't be another. Best of luck to
you friend.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 8, 2008
I actually considered the band at first. I am so glad I had bypass. I lost
so much weight quickly and I ahve kept it off for over 4 yrs. I know people
who has the badn and the band slipped and they were back in for surgery,
they didnt lose the weight they wanted, they have to go for fills. and yes
they can eat a lot more than people with bypass. I myself need the
restrictions that bypass has on me. and it has worked. My boyfriend is
going for the vertical lap band which is more like bypass, but he doesnt
have to go for fills and he will lose weight quicker than with the lap
band. He wont get dumping which I think can be bad because you can eat as
much sugar as you want.
— Joanc
February 8, 2008
I had Lap RNY 4 1/2 years ago with absolutely no problems. I would highly
recommend it.
— Carlyn M.
February 8, 2008
I had two procedures to choose from with my surgeon, RNY and Lapband. The
choice was mine, and I chose RNY because I felt that in addition to the
things you mentioned, Lapband seemed way too easy to get around (cheating)
and I'm very good at playing mind games with myself. I've been very happy
with my RNY. Yes, it is a lot more of a recovery period but SO WORTH IT.
Just my two cents.
— Shirley D.
February 8, 2008
I can tell you like the majority of others answering your question, I
studdyed all the various types of surgery for 5 years. I went to more than
20 differen doctors lectures, and I chose RNY Bypass and am glad I did. I
also went to support group meetings and it was clear the people meeting
their goal weight were the ones that had RNY. Go to a few doctors lecturs
(there always free and usually in the evening) and go to at least one
support group meeting in your area and ask questions to people you can see
the results from at that meeting. It needed to lose more that 150 lbs, and
I have never been happier with my choice, except that I waited three years
to make up my mind. I understand most insurance companys will not pay for
Gastric Sleeve and MGB. This may have changed in the past year or two.
Best source to make up you mind is select a surgeon and let him tell you
what the pro's and cons of all WLS is. If he is any good he will do more
than one proceedure, and will tell you the truth and let you deside what
works best for you. I know a Lab Band would be another failure for me.
— William (Bill) wmil
February 8, 2008
I went with the lap band as I still wanted to eat at Mcdonalds or where
ever just eat less. I still wanted to be normal and eat like my freinds
do. It has work very well for me and still is.
I can eat what ever I like in moderation. I have learned when I need
adjustments and I have a really good Dr. who lets me tell him when I need
adjustments, he does not run my life at all. I guess I am one of the
lucky ones.
I have not heard of MGB so I can't comment on it.
I do know that the lapband is a good choice for me.
Good luck with your choice.
— Bee
February 8, 2008
One of the posters mentioned the severing of a nerve during the RNY. The
severing of the vagus nerve is NOT a routine part of RNY surgery, and if
any surgeon inflicts this upon his patients without their explicit consent,
it sounds like an ethical violation to me.
Another poster mentioned having heard that the Lap-Band causes faster
weight loss than the RNY. Oh, yeah? That's the first time I've heard that
one. Everyone else says it's slower than the RNY, and the experience of
everyone I know who's had it bears that out.
— Virginia N.
February 8, 2008
Oops. Looks like the post I spoke of did not claim faster weight loss with
the Lap-Band. But do watch out for RNY surgeons who sever the vagus nerve.
It's not necessary and could be a very bad idea indeed.
— Virginia N.
February 8, 2008
I've never heard of MGB, but check out the vertical sleeve gastrectomy
foreum. I am three months out and for me I know I made the right decision.
Good luck in your research. Pat
— pjennjr
February 8, 2008
Hi, I only ask that you really do your research. I had both done, the band
and then the RNY. The band did not work for me and I had it removed and the
RNY done at the same time. I will say that with the band, I was hungry, you
will still make poor food choices (mine was chocolate) and when they
finally got it tight enough all I did was vomit all the time. I waited
about 14 months to have it removed. I lost a grand total of around 20-25
pounds after 14 months. When I had it removed the doctor told me there was
alot of scar tissue around the port site which he removed, I cannot imagine
what would have happened years down the road. So now I have the RNY, I can
eat, it really helps me not to make bad food choices, since sugar does make
me sick, thank god for that. I have lost over 100 lbs and I am at goal now.
It was the best decision I ever made. Choice carefully since most
insurances now have a once per lifetime claus on weight loss surgery. Do
your homework, I wish I had done a little more research in the beginnig.
Best of luck on your choice. See you on the losers bench!
— noboat4u
February 9, 2008
I had the lap band placed 4/19/07 and have lost 56 lbs. so far. I will
continue to lose weight after the 18 month bypass window. My Dr has
protocal to follow initially for the amount and frequency of fills, but I
decide when after the first couple. The inital weight loss is very slow to
non-existant as there is no restriction in the band. Just as with by-pass
some cannot tolerate it & as with bypass it is a tool to work with. I
cannot tolerate most breads as they "goo-up" into balls and
cannot go through. When properly restricted I cannot do more than protein
shake for breakfast and a soup for lunch, then a healthy dinner & fruit
or protein for evening snack. I eat about 900-1100 cal a day and lose a
healthy 1-2 lbs a week. I take a daily multi-vitamin, but no other
nutritional supplement needs as I easily get my 75-90gms of protein in each
day. As a nurse I have seen the "train wrecks" of gastric
bypass. I have heard of problems with the band, but nothing that does not
resolve if the band is remove.
I tended to be a bulk eater so lap band works for me. I did not need the
dumping possibility that bypass gives.
Ultimately however, only you know you and your needs and only you can make
the decision for you. Good luck.
— Donna O.
February 9, 2008
I would do some research.. Thats what I did. Then you can make an educated
decision on what is better for you. I found that the book, "Weight
Loss Surgery For Dummies", really helped and not only with this
subject but many others. (dont worry, its also for smart people lol) It
also helped me not to be so nervous! I originally chose the LapBand but i
have changed my mind to RNY. I will have surgery in a couple of months.
— Melissa F.
February 11, 2008
I had lap RNY 15 months ago and have lost 200 pounds. It was highly
successful for me. I am at goal weight and my BMI went from 53 down to
22.3 presently. I can eat "normal" and don't feel odd with my
friends or family. I really have no desire to eat at McDonalds or any fast
food place as I value what I put in my body more then that. I didn't have
a "train wreck" situation with my RNY. All of these weight loss
surgeries are tools. If you follow the programs you can have success with
any of them. It just depends on how long your willing to wait to
accomplish your weight goals - but with any weight loss surgery there is a
life long change required. Best wishes!
— waferqueen
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